> SOUTHERN INDIANA —
I have had the distinct honor and privilege of representing the people of Southern Indiana in the U.S. House of Representatives for five terms. For that, I am sincerely grateful.
I was afforded the opportunity to engage in public service in one of the most exciting and intellectually-challenging arenas our great nation has to offer.
I leave the office and my congressional career proud of my personal accomplishments — from my statutory Pay-As-You-Go Bill, which restored the 1990s law that turned record deficits into surpluses by forcing Congress to offset new policies that reduce revenues or expand entitlements, to increasing fuel efficiency in our vehicles for the first time in 30 years, to legislation aimed at assisting my fellow Hoosiers, such as my property tax relief measure and bill to change the way FEMA addresses natural disasters that cross states lines, to casework successes that directly impacted constituents’ daily lives.
I am particularly proud of the historic legislative successes garnered by this past Congress and my role in shaping several of them. The 111th Congress has been hailed by both critics and proponents as unarguably one of the most productive in decades. And, with any marked success comes debate and disagreement. I firmly believe, however, that history will speak well of the work we did in passing landmark health insurance reform, an overhaul of Wall Street regulations, enhanced benefits and health care for our veterans, and measures to boost and grow our economy. Without the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which created and saved thousands of Hoosier jobs and directly impacted the Southern Indiana economy by, for example, allocating $54 million to Cummins, Inc. for projects designed to significantly increase fuel efficiency in heavy trucks and passenger vehicles and $3.5 million to Georgetown for construction of a wastewater treatment plant, we likely would have experienced an economic depression. Yes, times are tough, but the economy is steadily progressing and that is in part due to the stimulus package and similar targeted legislative measures.
My friend and colleague House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer was quoted in a recent New York Times article, “After Bruising Session, Congress Braces for More,” as saying, “Almost every member who lost, without fail, has said, ‘I am proud of the work.’ They say, ‘If it cost me my election, I can point to the fact that I was a member of the productive Congress that did health care, did credit card, did student loan reform, just go through the entire list.’”
I believe I am one of those members Steny referenced. While the election did not render the outcome I had hoped for, it is both comforting and fulfilling to leave office secure in my belief that my voting record and legislative work reflect a deep commitment to the best interests of the people of Southern Indiana and a firm moral certitude in my values system.
I look forward to what the future has in store for me and my family, while looking fondly back upon my time in office. My thanks, again, to my fellow Hoosiers for allowing me to serve in Congress. And, particular thanks to our Southern Indiana veterans and those brave men and women who have so honorably and passionately served our nation. Their sacrifices are truly awe-inspiring and I was honored to be able to serve those who are on the frontlines of defending our freedoms.
— Baron Hill, of Seymour has served multiple terms as the U.S. congressman for Southern Indiana. He lost his bid for reelection in November.
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Rep. Baron Hill
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HILL: History will speak well of latest session
- Opinions
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DODD: An unexpected Angel
- CHEERS AND JEERS — For May 26-27
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STAWAR: The souvenir state of America
Recently, my wife Diane and I spent the day aboard the Belle of Cincinnati with our daughter’s family. We all had a good time, even though the diesel-powered Cincinnati attraction isn’t a real steamboat, like our own Belle of Louisville, and despite the fact that it poured down rain the whole time.
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NASH: Making a Memorial vacation
Memorial Day weekend is upon us which brings us to the start of the summer travel season. With the mild winter we had around here most schools didn’t have much in terms of snow make-up days so many kids have already finished up their semesters and are ready to get on with their holiday. Not to worry parents it will only be a couple of weeks before the back-to-school sales kick in and in no time at all it will be time for those youngsters to go back.
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HARBESON: A handy little idea
After having worked hard the past few months, I now have something new to add to my resume — “I was Lead Project Manager for a major construction venture, supervising every aspect in the creation of a privately funded community building.”
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MORRIS: Nancy Hogan was more than just an employee
Pulling into The Tribune parking lot each morning was pretty uneventful in the old days. Nothing good happens between 5:30 and 6 a.m. Nothing at all.
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HAMILTON: Is this really the best we can do?
As you know if you pay attention to national affairs, the United States faces a perfect fiscal storm at the end of this year. A confluence of deadlines and policy triggers unlike anything I can remember in a half-century of public life will produce massive budget cuts and serious tax increases amounting to a 3.5 percent hit on the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.
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LETTERS: May 23, 2012
— Tea Party leader responds to bridges column
— Bridges need a new approach
— Wives of JPD officers say thanks for service
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BEAM: Lost memories found
As time elapses, so do our memories. I forget things now. I can’t remember his height. How did he curl his lips into that sardonic, wholehearted smile? I only recall flashes of a moment. Wearing his jacket at prom. His golf clubs in the back of his old, golden car. Notes passed in the hallway. Listening to Boys to Men in his basement.
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STANCZYKIEWICZ: A gift for mom and dad
Two strategies for parents are important. First, parents need to model for children how to disagree. “When you’re talking with your spouse and you’re whining and complaining and nagging, you shouldn’t be too surprised when your young person does the same thing,” Allen said. “We need to be good role models.”
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